|
The
tax office is known as the Inland Revenue. The tax year runs from April
6 to April 5 of the following year. When you leave an employer in the
UK you will receive a P45 which states your correct tax rate; this should
be given to your new employer. If you do not have one of these when
you begin your new job, you should fill out a P46 which is sent off
to the Inland Revenue to determine your correct tax. Until this comes
through, you will be taxed at a higher rate. If you are a student, and
only working here for a few months, it is possible to be tax exempt,
but ask around for details and which forms you need.
A
P60 is issued at the end of the financial year; it states your gross
wages for that financial year. If you are working in the building industry,
you will receive a SC60.
Those who haven't worked a full tax year may be entitled to a rebate.
The tax-free threshold for the 1998-1999 year is just over £4000 for
singles. So if your total earnings for one tax year are less than that
amount, you are entitled to a refund of all the tax you have paid. If
you have earned more than that, you may still receive a rebate--it just
depends on how much money you have earned.
It
is advisable to keep a record of all the jobs you've taken and keep
all your payslips as well. If you want to know the ins and outs of the
tax system, contact the Tax Enquiry Centre (020 7-605-9901) which is
specifically set up to explain tax. They prefer new arrivals to pay
them a visit, so the correct tax forms can be filled out and the latest
information given.
Working
holidaymakers either work for an employer under the PAYE (Pay as you
earn) scheme, are self-employed, or work through a limited company.
Under the PAYE scheme, the 96/97 tax rates are: 20% on wages under £3900,
24% on wages between £3901 and £25,500 and 40% on wages above this,
plus 10% for National Insurance. Self employed people will be required
to pay their own tax and national insurance contributions. Many working
holidaymakers choose to work through a limited company.
Warning:
If you plan to use a company to claim some tax back. We recommend you
to check them out first.
We usually recommend that you do it yourself, its so simple. All
it takes is a quick phone call to the Inland revenue plus filling
up simple forms, and they will mail the cheque to your home country.
. .a child can do it.
Can you help Barry??
Subject:
Tax Problem?
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 17:17:47 +0200
From: barry@qmuzik.com (Barry Searle)
To: <gainsboroughstudios@cableinet.co.uk>
Dear
Gainsborough Studios manager,
I'm
an ex-"working holiday-maker" and having seen your sight and
facilities, wish I new about you previously.
I used a tax company by the name of "Travellers Tax Consultants"
to do my tax return and have not received a payment from them although
I know the Inland Revenue Service paid them a considerable sum.
Are they a reputable company?
Do you know if they still exist as their contact number does not seem
to work? I am asking you as I know that word gets around in the
travel community.
I appreciate your help and hope that I shall get to use your very comprehensive
website as an aid to my future travels to the UK.
Yours Faithfully
Barry
Searle
TAX
FREE SHOPPING
Tax Free shopping is available to those travellers visiting the
UK for less than 365 days. You must leave within 3 months of purchasing
the item(s). In order to reclaim your money, obtain a refund voucher
from the shop and when you leave the EU, have the refund voucher and
items together so that a Customs Officer can verify the voucher. You
can then reclaim VAT (Value Added Tax, about 17.5%) from the refund
desk at the airport. Pick up a brochure on tax-free shopping for more
details.
|
